Forlan, making a record 82nd appearance for La Celeste, added the third in the last minute to register his 31st international goal.

The victory gives Uruguay their first Copa America title since 1995, and one more than Argentina.

"My grandfather won it, my father won it and now I have won it," said Forlan. "It is a pride for the family.

"Three generations of my family have won this tournament - Forlan will be the last name in history of football.

"It was a complicated game but the team played well. The early goal helped to simplify things."

Suarez gave Uruguay the lead after 12 minutes, beating defender Dario Veron to score from a deflected left-footed shot that went in off the far post behind goalkeeper Justo Villar.

MORE ON DIEGO FORLAN...

Underwhelming two-year spell with Manchester United from 2001

Then helped Villarreal to their first ever Uefa Champions League spot

Clinched 2009 European Golden Boot outright with Atletico Madrid

Was voted the best player at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

His father played for Uruguay in two World Cups, and Sao Paulo

Grandfather also played for Independiente in Argentina

International goal tally (31) is now a joint Uruguayan record, shared with legendary Hector Scarone

Forlan, voted the best player at last year's World Cup, made it 2-0 with a left-footed shot that left Villar flat-footed.

And he added a third in the final minute, taking a pass from Suarez and slotting the ball into the far corner.

Uruguay, a country with a population of 3.5m, reached the World Cup semi-finals a year ago, and at the Copa America once again surpassed the performance of continental powers Brazil and Argentina.

Paraguay keeper Villar admitted that Uruguay deserved their victory in the tournament.

"It was fair that Uruguay are the champions because they are a very solid team and their attackers are two lions," said Villar.

"They are among the best strikers in the world. We got to the final because we had guts and luck. In the second half we had a lot of the ball and we created some good chances but we just couldn't score."